Get Creative for a Super Salad

May 16th, 2012 by Jaclyn

If your idea of a salad conjures up images of rabbits on a picnic, it might be time to change the way you think about this versatile dish. By definition, a salad is a dish of various mixtures, often containing raw or cooked vegetables, pasta, or fruit. With new flavors from seasonal produce arriving on market shelves and in gardens across the country, it’s a great time to get creative with your preferred method of delivery.

 

Salads are a party of nutrients, and when paired with a healthy fat like olive oil or walnuts, the fat soluble vitamins are more easily absorbed. There is no limit to the different ingredients to add to your salad, and you may find yourself adding everything but the kitchen sink. For a healthy base, opt for dark greens like spinach or red leaf lettuce in lieu of iceburg lettuce. For picky family members, consider a salad bar night where each person can add their own toppings. Some great options for salad mixers include whole wheat spiral pasta, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and chopped olives. Perhaps the salads can even replace a meat dish for a meatless meal once a week. Visit AllRecipies for an extensive list of innovative salad combinations.